No.1 The Feminine Original Collection

Geza Schoen opened X Masculine with rhubarb, pineapple, and bergamot, an unusual, slightly acidic brightness that reads more complex than it should this early in a composition. The iris and paprika heart is where it earns its reputation: cool, floury iris sitting beside a spice note that adds a faintly smoky edge, the two together creating a dryness you don't expect from a 20-year-old perfume. Oakmoss and labdanum bring it home, slow and settled.

Why We Carry This

X Masculine was audacious in 2001 and hasn't lost the argument since. Schoen's paprika-iris accord is one of those moments in perfumery that you either get immediately or eventually. We stocked it because it rewards the patient nose.

Scent Profile

Top notes: Artemisia, Caraway, Cardamom, Grapefruit, Lime, Mandarin Orange, Nutmeg, Paprika

Heart notes: Heliotrope, Iris, Jasmine, Lily-Of-The-Valley, Rose, Ylang-Ylang

Base notes: Amber, Musk, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Vetiver, Virginia Cedar

Character

Accords: Powdery, Woody, White Floral, Citrus, Vanilla, Warm Spicy, Aromatic, Iris, Fresh Spicy, Yellow Floral

Perfumer: Geza Schoen

Launched: 2001